This summary is published annually to report the statistical information related to the purchase of primary forest products, forest harvesting, the production of secondary forest products in Nova Scotia and the silviculture conducted under Wood Acquisiton Plan Program. This information is collected from companies and individuals involved in the forest sector who acquire primary forest products. These reports provide an indication of the sector's economic health based on annual activity.
The Code of Forest Practice principles has provided a framework of new direction for the wide range of activities that are and will be happening in Nova Scotia’s forests. They are based on the concept of sustainable forest management which greatly expands the range of priorities for forest use across the province, while at the same time considers the long term well being of the forest environment.
Over 1,000 Permanent Sample Plots (PSPs) have been monitored for up to 30 years in managed forests by the Timber Management Group (map). PSP's have been established in plantations, pre-commercial and commercial thinnings and selection harvests in a variety of forest types and locations on private and crown land throughout the province. Data from these plots are utilized to develop Nova Scotia's Growth and Yield Model for both softwood and hardwood species. This model predicts the yields from our forest stands when managed.
To insure that Nova Scotia's forests are harvested in a sustainable way, its growth and quality is enhanced through the use of silviculture techniques. Some of the silviculture treatments tested, surveyed and reported on include shelter wood, and seed tree harvests, plantations, vegetation management, pre-commercial thinning, and crop-tree-release. Silviculture guides are included here to keep industry actors well informed about the newest best management principles.
Harvesting is the most visible and influential forest management activity. It provides supplies of timber to businesses for production of wood based products while also influencing the ability of the future forest to regenerate and thrive. Harvesting systems can be categorized into two general areas: Even-aged methods such as clear-cutting, shelter wood and commercial thinning and uneven-aged management systems such as individual-tree and group selection methods.
This report covers a wide range of information important to those wishing to participate in mineral development, including identification of mineral rights and acquiringand maintaining exploration licenses.
Presentation outlining the findings of Gardner Pinfold Consulting and Conestoga-Rovers and Associates regarding the economic impacts of the mineral industry in the province.
